Willie Nelson express back on track After elbow surgery derailment To headline this week's ESPN FNF

(photo by Bob Barton / Rumble Time Promotions) ST. LOUIS (August 4, 2014) -- World super welterweight contender Willie "The Great" Nelson (22-1-1, 13 KOs), rated No. 5 in the world by the World Boxing Council (WBC), is back on track after surgery to his left elbow temporarily derailed his very promising career. Nelson takes on former Mexican champion Luis "Slayer" Grajeda (17-2-2, 13 KOs) in the 10-round main event on this week's ESPN Friday Night Fights, airing live from Churchill County Fairgrounds in Fallon, Nevada. "My elbow is fine, 100-percent, and I don't even think about it when I'm fighting," Nelson said. "It's been frustrating but I'm a fighter and I'm looking forward. I'm focused on winning this fight, not on who I might be fighting next. I can't get my big fight without making a big splash this Friday night. Grajeda is in top shape, always comes to fight, and nobody's ever stopped him." Nelson is riding an impressive six-fight win streak into this Friday night's fight. He had moved up to No. 3 in the WBC and signed to fight three-time world title challenger Matthew Macklin last December on HBO, however, the aforementioned elbow surgery forced him to pull out of that fight. Nelson was on a real roll, too, ranked as high as No. 3 in the WBC with all signs pointing towards his first world title fight in 2014.   Following his upset win over one Olympian, 2004 Cuban silver medalist Yudel Jhonson (currently WBC #18) by 10-round decision (97-92, 97-92, 95-94), Nelson defeated former U.S. Virgin Island Olympian, previously unbeaten (13-0) John Jackson (currently WBC #6), by way of a 10-round unanimous decision (98-92, 96-94, 96-94) for the vacant North American Boxing Federation (NABF) title. Then, on ESPN Friday Night Fights, Nelson registered a sensational first-round knockout of Michael Medina (26-3-2), whose ankle was fractured from the force of the blow. This scintillating performance earned Nelson his first shot on HBO, in which Nelson took a 10-round decision (97-93, 97-93, 96-94) from underrated Luciano Leonel Cuello (32-2), who is currently No. 13 by the WBC. The stage was set for Nelson's showdown with Macklin at 160 pounds, albeit for his elbow injury, which momentarily curtailed his rise to stardom "We're grateful to ESPN for once again giving Willie great exposure fighting again on national television," added Steve Smith (Rumble Time Promotions) who co-promotes Nelson with DiBella Entertainment. "A bad injury that required elbow surgery slowed his career but he put in a lot of hard rehab and we're moving forward together as a team. HBO has indicated to us that Willie will be fighting back on HBO later this year, but he needs to look greatthis Friday against a hard punching opponent who's never been stopped. "It's not easy getting top guys to fight Willie because of his size (6' 3 ½" and 81" reach) and tremendous talent as an elite boxer-puncher. We thought Willie was going to fight (James) Kirkland on HBO a few months ago but he was MIA. Sooner, rather than later, Willie's time to shine will come." Alicia vs. Huff in Friday night's undercard Another Cleveland fighter also co-promoted by Rumble Time Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, undefeated middleweight prospect Eduardo Alicea (7-0, 3 KOs), is also scheduled to fight on this Friday's card against Kirk Huff (3-0, 1 KO) in a six-round bout. The 23-year-old Alicia had a sterling 143-16 amateur, highlighted by his gold-medal performance at the 2007 National Junior Olympics champion. Famed trainer Robert Garcia is Alicia's chief second. Nelson returned to the ring this past June 7 at Madison Square Garden on the off-TV undercard of the Miquel Cotto--Sergio Martinez pay-per-view event. The freakishly built super welterweight from Cleveland took out all his bent-up frustrations out on veteran Darryl Cunningham (29-6), who was decked twice in the opening round before referee Eddie Claudio mercifully halted the action only 2:43 into the action. Now, Nelson continues his quest for a world title and/or career-defining fight, showcasing his vast skills this Friday on ESPN FNF against Grajeda. Grajeda is far from being a soft touch, though, despite American boxing fans not really knowing anything about him. To the contrary, he's never been stopped in 21 pro fights, defeated Hector Camacho, Jr., among the more notable, and went the full eight-round distance in a competitive loss by decision to WBC #3 Jermell Charlo. "This kid (Grajeda) can fight," Nelson's head trainer Jack Loew added. "He's 17-3 and a big, strong, hungry kid who at 6' 1" can punch. He has everything to gain fighting the No. 5 super welterweight in the WBC. If he can pull off an upset, he's right in the picture. "Any setback at this stage is frustrating. My guy deserves a big fight but that's what an injury like Willie had can do. It's not fair but sometimes it's that way in boxing. My job is to make Willie believe in me and that he'll get there. He knows I'm not lying because I've been there before with Kelly Pavlik, who was 27-0 before he had his first real big fight. I believe everything happens for a reason. We didn't fight Macklin but that's in the rear mirror. If we let everybody do their job (to get Nelson into a big fight), it's easier for us to do ours in the gym and ring." For more information about Nelson go online to www.RumbleTimePromotions.com or Dbe1.com. Follow Nelson on Twitter @Trae_fab_5ive.

Yudel Jhonson decisions Norberto Gonzalez for two regional title belts Vasquez rolls to dominant TKO win, Khytrov scores sensational KO

ESPN FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS June 6, 2014   *   Turning Stone Resort Casino, Verona, NY

RESULTS FROM TURNING STONE    Yudel Jhonson (R) nails Norberto Gonzalez  all pictures by Andy Newman VERONA, N.Y. (June 6, 2014) - In an ESPN Friday Night Fights main event on International Boxing Hall of Fame induction weekend, featuring a pair of fighters celebrating their 33rdbirthdays tonight, 2004 Olympic silver medalist Yudel Jhonson (16-1, 9 KOs) captured the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) and North American Boxing Association (NABA) by winning a unanimous 10-round unanimous decision (97-91 X3) over  former Mexican champion Norberto "Demonio" Gonzalez (20-4, 13 KOs).      The entertaining top-to-bottom show was presented by Iron Mike Productions (IMP) at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York.  Supporting promoter Mike Tyson at tonight's fights were world champions Oscar de la Hoya, Andre Ward, Zab Judah, Felix "Tito" Trinidad, Leona Brown and actress/boxing fan Rosie Perez. "It was a great night, I'm very proud," Tyson remarked. "This was better than our first show here and the next time will be even better.  It's all about consistency.  We saw some great fighters tonight and the fans were great, too.  These guys make me look good, I'm honored.  "Oscar and Andre saw some good fights. There's nothing better than hearing that from my peers.  I'm really proud of Sammy.  He's an entertainer. I'd like to bring him back to Pittsburgh to fight Paul Spadafora, who is a great fighter.  That will be a big fight." Jhonson, a stylist Cuban southpaw living in Miami, boxed his way to victory, decking Gonzalez with a short left in the fifth, buckling him in the sixth, and dropping him with a left in the ninth round.  "At the moment with my team, my managers and promoters," Jhonson said after the fight, "I'm here to fight the top junior middleweights in the world and I proved that tonight.  I'm looking for my world title shot.  I'd like a rematch with Willie Nelson, to fight Ishe Smith, or any of the world champions.  I'm open to fighting quality fighters to get my world title." Red-hot welterweight Sammy "The Who Can Mexican" Vasquez, Jr. (15-0, 11 KOs) proved once again why he's one of the most fan friendly fighters in boxing.  In the ESPN co-feature, the aggressive southpaw from Monessen, PA attacked like the Iraq War veteran he is, dropping "Smokin'" Jay Krupp (17-7, 8 KOs) in each of the first three rounds, after which referee Benji Estevez halted the action at the 1:19 mark.   "For my fans out there, the soldiers and family, it was an honor fighting on ESPN," Vasquez commented.  "I want to thank IMP and my father for getting me here.  I thought it was a B performance.  I made a couple of errors but did what I needed to do." A star was born in the ESPN FNF opener as heavy-handed middleweight sensation Ievgin "The Ukrainian Lion" Khytrov (5-0, 5 KOs) stepped up in class against dangerous Chris Chatman (12-4-1, 5 KOs) and passed the test with flying colors.  After a "feeling out" opening round, the 2012 Ukraine Olympian went to work, battering a game Chatman until a powerful, short left hook ended the fight in the third round. Khytrov destoyed Chatman   Khytrov, now living in Brooklyn, recently signed a contract with IMP and is co-promoted by Fight Promotions, Inc.  "The advice of my corner for the first round was to feel-out my opponent without showing much offense to see how things would go and let my opponent work." Khytrov said after the fight.  "I was the left hook was there from the first round but I waited a little until the left hook would be more effective.  I had the straight right, left hook set-up from the first round." Detroit light heavyweight Isiah Thomas (13-0, 6 KOs) remained unbeaten, blanking (80-72 X 3) Pittsburgh veteran Rayco "War" Saunders (23-24-2, 10 KOs) for an eight-round decision.      Charlotte junior welterweight John Williams (12-3-1, 5 KOs) upset Johnny Garcia (19-2, 11 KOs) by way of an eighth-round split decision (77-75, 77-75, 76-76) for the vacant WBC Latino title. IMP's promising prospect Dennis Galarza (4-0-2 KOs), of Miami, kept his unbeaten record intact, consistently connecting with effective combinations for a six-round unanimous decision (60-54 X 3) over Chicago junior lightweight Gadiel Andaluz (4-7, 2 KOs) Former standout amateur Ryan "Blue Chip" Martin (6-0, 3 KOs), who is promoted byCurtis "50 Cent" Jackson, outclassed Brooklyn lightweight Ian James (2-8-1, 1 KO) en route to a unanimous four-round decision (60-54 X 3). Popular junior welterweight Sam Quinones, Jr. (7-2, 2 KOs), fighting out of York, PA, also pitched a complete shutout over Greg Coverson, Jr. (3-9-3, 2 KOs), winning six rounds by identical scores of 60-54 on all three Detroit light heavyweight Leo Hall (2-0, 2 KOs) needed only 49-seconds to knockout Bob Wilder (2-4, 1 KO), dropping him with a vicious left kook. Complete Results (winners listed first for each fight) LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS Isiah Thomas (13-0, 6 KOs) Detroit, Michigan WDEC8 (80-72, 80-72, 80-72) Rayco Saunders (23-24-2, 10 KOs), Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Leo Hall (2-0, 2 KOs), Detroit, Michigan WKO1 (0:49) Bob Wilder (2-43, 1 KO), Akron, Ohio MIDDLEWEIGHTS Ievgin Khytrov (5-0, 5 KOs), Brooklyn, New York WTKO3 (2:18) Chris Chatman (12-4-1, 5 KOs), San Diego, California JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS Yudel Johnson (16-1, 9 KOs), Miami, FL WDEC10 (97-91, 97-91, 97-91) NORBERTO GONZALEZ (20-4, 13 KOs), Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico 154 LBS. (Jhonson won vacant WBC FECARBOX and NABA titles) WELTERWEIGHTS Sammy Vasquez, Jr. (15-0, 11 KOs), Monessen, Pennsylvania WTKO3 (1:19) Jay Krupp (17-7, 8 KOs), Catskill, New York JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS John Williams (12-3-1, 5 KOs), Charlotte, North Carolina WDEC8 (77-75, 77-75. 76-76) Johnny Garcia (19-2, 11 KOs), Holland, Michigan (Williams won vacant WBC Latino title) Sam Quinones, Jr. (7-2, 2 KOs), York, Pennsylvania WDEC6 (60-54, 60-54, 60-54) Greg Coverson, Jr. (3-9-3, 2 KOs), Detroit, Michigan LIGHTWEIGHTS Ryan Martin (6-0, 3 KOs), Cleveland, Ohio WDEC4 (60-54, 60-54, 69-54) Ian James (2-8-1, 1 KO), Brooklyn, New York JUNIOR LIGHTWEIGHTS Dennis Galarza (4-0, 2 KOs), Miami, FL WDEC6 (60-54, 60-54, 60-54) Gadiel Andaluz (4-7, 2 KOs), Chicago, Illinois -30- ABOUT IRON MIKE PRODUCTIONS (IMP): Founded in 2013 by CEO Garry Jonas and Hall of Famer Mike Tyson, Iron Mike Productions is a full-service boxing promotional company with offices located in Deerfield Beach, Florida and Las Vegas, Nevada. IMP is committed to changing traditional boxing promotion by advocating for its fighters' successes, inside the ring and out, throughout their professional careers and into retirement. For additional information go online at www.IronMikeProductions.com, friend on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/IronMikeProductions.Official, or follow on Twitter @IronMikeProd.

OFFICIAL WEIGHTS, PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES AND PICTURES FROM TURNING STONE

ESPN FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS June 6, 2014   *   Turning Stone Resort Casino, Verona, NY

OFFICIAL WEIGHTS Main Event - WBC FECARBOX & NABA Junior Middleweight Championships (10) - ESPN YUDEL JHONSON (15-1, 9 KOs), Miami, FL by way of Cuba 154 LBS. NORBERTO GONZALEZ (20-3, 13 KOs), Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico 154 LBS. Co-Feature - Welterweights (8) - ESPN SAMMY VASQUEZ, JR. (14-0, 10 KOs), Monessen, Pennsylvania 147 LBS. JAY KRUPP (17-6, 8 KOs), Catskill, New York 150 LBS. Special Middleweight Attraction (6) IEVGIN KHYTROV (4-0, 4 KOs), Brooklyn, New York by way of Ukraine 160 LBS. CHRIS CHATMAN (12-3-1, 5 KOs), San Diego, California 160 LBS. Light Heavyweights (8) ISIAH THOMAS (12-0, 6 KOs) Detroit, Michigan 181 LBS. RAYCO SAUNDERS (23-23-2, 10 KOs), Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 179 ½ LBS. WBC Latino Junior Welterweights Championship (8) JOHNNY GARCIA (19-1, 11 KOs), Holland, Michigan 139 ½ LBS. JOHN WILLIAMS (11-3-1, 5 KOs), Charlotte, North Carolina 139 ½ LBS. Junior Lightweights (6) DENNIS GALARZA (3-0, 2 KOs), Miami, FL 128 ½ LBS. GADIEL ANDALUZ (4-6, 2 KOs), Chicago, Illinois by way of Puerto Rico 129 LBS. Lightweights (4) RYAN MARTIN (5-0, 3 KOs), Cleveland, Ohio 137 ½ LBS. IAN JAMES (2-7-1, 1 KO), Brooklyn, New York 138 ½ LBS. Junior Welterweights (6) SAM QUINONES, JR. (6-2, 2 KOs), York, Pennsylvania 139 LBS. GREG COVERSON, JR. (3-8-3, 2 KOs), Detroit, Michigan 136 LBS. Light Heavyweights (4) LEO HALL (1-0, 1 KO), Detroit, Michigan 175 LBS. BOB WILDER (2-3, 1 KO), Akron, Ohio 174 ½ LBS. Press Conference Quotes Mike Tyson:  "I'm looking forward to setting (viewing) records again tomorrow night.  We have exciting fights, better than the first time we were here (last August on ESPN in first IMP promoted show) with Yudel Jhonson fighting Norberto Gonzalez in the main event, war veteran Sammy Vasquez coming off his sensational first round knockout, and 4-0 Ukrainian Ievgin Khytrov fighting for us for the first time."  "Sammy comes to kick ass." "This place (Turning Stone) wasn't here when I fought.  I love coming here.  Some of my high school and junior high fans - I haven' seen some of them in 30 years - are coming here tomorrownight to watch the fights with me.  I really looking forward to these fights." Yudel Jhonson:  "I want to thank everybody and for Iron Mike Productions for putting me on in the main event on ESPN.  I know what style fans like to see and I'm going to give my most to please them."  "There's no pressure.  I had more 400 plus amateur fights and that prepared me for this kind of fight.  No nerves, just another day at the office." Norberto Gonzalez:  "I want to thank the great Mike Tyson for the opportunity to be on his card. I'm going to give 100-percent to make the main event very exciting."    "I feel no presser coming in as an underdog.  I come from the country where boxing started, Mexico.  Yudel Jhonson is going to fight one of the toughest 154-pounders and that makes for a great fight. Sammy Vasquez:  "I want to thank IMP for the opportunity to fight on this card.  I have a lot of will; hard work and determination.  I'm fighting to showcase my skills.  You'll see what I bring to the table on the way to me being world champion."   "Fighting and war are two different type of things.  In boxing, you're going to walk away; in war, you don't know if you're coming back.  They're similar but different.  You need to be mentally prepared for both.  Boxing-wise, I'm mentally prepared to beat anybody.  No nerves, I'm going to have fun and put on a good show for fans. "In my last fight (April 18 in Monroeville, PA) there was a little trash talking.  He (Juan Rodriquez, Jr.) kept talking about me, bashing me.  I had to put him down.  I talk with my hands and showed him in the first 30 seconds (first of three knockdowns en route to WTKO 1 at 2:49 for Vasquez).  I know what I do and that's look for a knockout." Ievgin Khytrov:  "I'm very happy to have signed a co-promotional deal with Iron Mike Productions.  I just want to fight.  I'm looking forward to putting on good show."  "I had over 500 amateur fights so I've been in this pressure situation before.  It's just another day in the office for me." Chris Chatman:  "I want to thank Mr. Tyson and Iron Mike Productions for having me fight on this great show.  Once again Chris Chatman is against the odds fighting and undefeated prospect. I've been here before.  He's one-dimensional.  He's going to put me on the ropes and knock me out.  That's not oing to happen.  You're going to see one helluva show."  "I went to college and was in the Navy." WHAT:      "ESPN Friday Night Fights" professional boxing WHEN:     Friday, June 6, 2014 WHERE:   Turning Stone Resort Casino, Verona, NY  TELEVISION:  ESPN Friday Night Fights PROMOTER:  Iron Mike Productions     TICKETS:  $60.00, $35.00, $25.00 and $15.00 on sale at the Turning Stone box office, by calling (315) 361-7469, at any Ticketmaster outlet (800) 745-3000, or visit www.Ticketmaster.com    INFO:    www.IronMikeProductions.com or www.TurningStone.com     OTHER:  Doors Open 7:00 p.m. ET, first bout 8:00 p.m. ET, ESPN FNF starts 10:30 p.m. ET -30- ABOUT IRON MIKE PRODUCTIONS(IMP): Founded in 2013 by CEO Garry Jonas and Hall of Famer Mike Tyson, Iron Mike Productions is a full-service boxing promotional company with offices located in Deerfield Beach, Florida and Las Vegas, Nevada. IMP is committed to changing traditional boxing promotion by advocating for its fighters' successes, inside the ring and out, throughout their professional careers and into retirement. For additional information go online at www.IronMikeProductions.com, friend on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/IronMikeProductions.Official, or follow on Twitter @IronMikeProd.

Olympic silver medalist Yudel Jhonson Headlines June 6 ESPN Friday Night Fights

Iron Mike Productions returns to Turning Stone Casino

Yudel Jhonson (Photo by Rey Sanchez / IMP) DEERFIELD BEACH, Fla. (May 27, 2014) - Iron Mike Productions (IMP) returns June 6 to the site of its promotional debut last August, Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York, to present another live ESPN Friday Night Fights event from upstate New York, celebrating the 2014 International Boxing Hall of Fame induction weekend. Ascending 2004 Olympic silver medalist Yudel Jhonson (15-1, 9 KOs) headlines in the 10-round main event against Mexican invader Norberto "Demonio" Gonzalez (20-3, 13 KOs) for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) FECARBOX Junior Middleweight Championship.   Jhonson, the two-time Cuban National Champion now fighting out of Miami, was a gold medalist at the prestigious 2002 World Cup, defeating former world champion Daniel Geale, in addition to winning top honors at the 1999 Pan-American Games, 2001 Goodwill Games and 2006 Central American & Caribbean Games. Gonzalez, a former Mexican welterweight champion, is coming off of a controversial 10-round split decision loss to Roberto Garcia (33-3) this past February, after winning an impressive 10-round unanimous decision over Michael Oliveira (21-1) last November. In the 8-round ESPN co-feature, two-time All-Army and Armed Forces champion Sammy "The Who Can Mexican" Vasquez Jr. (14-0, 10 KOs) takes on fan favorite "Smokin'" Jay Krupp (17-6, 8 KOs) from nearby Catskill, New York. The highly-entertaining Vasquez is an undefeated welterweight from Monessen, Pennsylvania who did two tours in Iraq as a U.S. Army National Guard specialist.  He reached the semifinals of the 2012 U.S. Olympic Team trials.  Krupp's last fight was an 8-round loss by decision to 2008 Olympian and present North American Boxing Organization (NABO) welterweight champion Sadam Ali (19-0) last September, in which Krupp dropped Ali in the opening round. Unbeaten 2012 Ukraine Olympian Ievgen "The Ukraine Lion" Khytrov (4-0, 4 KOs) will make his first IMP appearance in a six-round Special Middleweight Attraction versus battle-tested Chris Chatman (12-3-1, 5 KOs), of San Diego, in the ESPN opener. The 25-year-old Khytrov, now living in Brooklyn, was a gold medalist at the 2011 World Championships as well as the 2007 European Junior Championships.  Chatman gave current WBO junior middleweight champion Demetrius Andrade (7-0) his toughest fight to date as a professional (DEC6 in 2009) and fought Charles Hatley (14-0) to an 8-round draw in 2011. Detroit light heavyweight Isiah Thomas (12-0, 6 KOs) puts his undefeated record on the line against Pittsburgh veteran Rayco "War" Saunders (23-23-2, 10 KOs) in an 8-round fight.  Thomas' last action was a 10-round unanimous decision win over former World Boxing Association (WBA) light heavyweight champion Richard Hall (30-10) for the interim WBA Fedelatin cruiserweight title. Popular light welterweight Johnny Garcia (19-1, 11 KOs) will also make his IMP debut in an 8-round fight against John Williams (11-3-1, 5 KOs), of Charlotte, North Carolina, for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) Latino title. Garcia, the pride of Holland, Michigan, is riding a six-fight win streak, while Williams has won four of his last five fights. Fighting on the undercard in 6-round bouts are Florida junior lightweight prospect Dennis Galarza (3-0, 2 KOs) vs. Gadiel Andaluz (4-6, 2 KOs), of Chicago, and Pennsylvania junior welterweight Sam Quinones Jr. (6-2, 2 KOs) vs. Cleveland's Brett Simmons (2-0-2, 1 KO).  Also scheduled to be in action in separate 4-round fights against opponents to be determined are 50-Cent promoted lightweight Ryan "Blue Chip" Martin (5-0, 3 KOs), of Cleveland, and Detroit light heavyweight Leo Hall (1-0, 1 KO). All fights and fighters are subject to change. Tickets are reasonably priced at $60.00, $35.00, $25.00 and $15.00 and are on sale now at the Turning Stone box office, by calling (315) 361-7469, at any Ticketmaster outlet (800) 745-3000, or visit www.Ticketmaster.com  Doors open at the Turning Stone Resort Casino Event Center at 7:00 p.m. ET on Friday, June 6.  The first undercard bout starts at 8:00 p.m. ET with the live ESPN2 telecast beginning at 10:30 p.m. ET.

ABOUT IRON MIKE PRODUCTIONS (IMP): Founded in 2013 by CEO Garry Jonas and Hall of Famer Mike Tyson, Iron Mike Productions is a full-service boxing promotional company with offices located in Deerfield Beach, Florida and Las Vegas, Nevada. IMP is committed to changing traditional boxing promotion by advocating for its fighters' successes, inside the ring and out, throughout their professional careers and into retirement. For additional information go online at www.IronMikeProductions.com, friend on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/IronMikeProductions.Official, or follow on Twitter @IronMikeProd. -30-